British Nationals in Dominica were joined by Local Dignitaries and students in celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on Monday June 4, 2012.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee marks 60 years since her Accession to the thrones of seven countries upon the death of her father King George VI on 6 February 1952.
Queen Elizabeth II is today Queen of 16 sovereign states, 12 of which were British colonies or dominions at the start of her reign.
Royal Jubilees celebrate significant periods in a Monarch’s reign and National life.
Representative Of The British High Commission, Dan Caruthers made a special visit To Dominica For The Celebrations.
In his address, he says “The United Kingdom is very proud of its heritage, its part of what makes Britain the creative and vibrant country that it is today and celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee will reflect this. It will also reflect the UK’s continued links to countries like Dominica and others throughout the world and the Commonwealth. And for this reason, the celebrations marking the Queen’s 60 years as monarch will also include a very strong focus on the Commonwealth. For sixty years the Queen has laid much importance on her role as head of the Commonwealth Organization.”
The Minister for Education, Hon. Petter Saint Jean also addressed the Jubilee Celebrations.
“Here in Dominica, we are joining in even in our very small way to show that as part of the Commonwealth of Nations, we value the contributions that Queen Elizabeth II has made and we hope will continue to make towards the development of our nations. Indeed we must note that small developing states like ours face grave challenges but we are grateful that we as part of this association of independent states would seek to promote democracy, good governance, human rights and economic development that we can join in this celebration.”
The Lighting of the Beacon was the Highlight of Last Evening’s Celebrations as Dominica joined other countries in the Commonwealth to undertake such an activity.
The ceremony also saw a marching display by Cadets, Crusaders, Scouts and Guides.
This year the Queen will become only the second UK Monarch to mark 60 years on the throne. Queen Victoria in 1897 was the only other monarch in the histories of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a few other Commonwealth realms to have celebrated a Diamond Jubilee.